By Karen Bong
KUCHING, March 19: The Democratic Action Party Socialist Youth (DAPSY) Sarawak has refuted claims circulating on social media that the party has underage members, emphasising that all members meet the minimum age requirement set by the party’s constitution.
DAPSY Sarawak secretary George Lam clarified that all DAP members must be at least 18 years old. He specifically addressed allegations regarding one of the party’s youth members, Daphne Chong, who was wrongly assumed to be underage.
“There’s an issue arising on social media, not officially from any party, alleging that we have underage members. Beside me is Daphne Chong, and just to clarify, she is 27 years old, born in 1998,” he told a press conference at DAP Headquarters today.
He further introduced other DAPSY Sarawak members, including Chong Hong Hien (24) and Lesley Chong (24), emphasising that the youth wing consists of young but qualified individuals.
“We are relatively younger compared to other party youth wings in Malaysia, which is why such issues arise. However, we want to make it clear that we do not have underage members,” he reiterated.
DAPSY Sarawak’s political education director Jordon Soo expressed appreciation for the party leadership’s commitment to empowering young politicians, particularly in addressing significant issues such as Sarawak’s oil and gas rights.
He pointed out that DAPSY Sarawak is open to exploring potential collaborations with Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) on such matters.
“DAP provides great opportunities for young people to take the lead. Unfortunately, some are trying to discredit individuals based on their age. We must condemn such attacks. Youngsters may have less experience, but that does not mean we cannot contribute meaningfully to our state,” he stressed.
Soo concluded by reaffirming DAPSY Sarawak’s stance that youth participation in politics is not only valid but necessary for the Sarawak’s progress. – DayakDaily
